Kristen Walker’s lifelong fascination with rocks has led her to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. “I’ve been a rock hound probably my whole life,” she reminisced. “As a child, I would walk with my grandpa, collecting shiny rocks to keep in my bag. The joy of collecting crystals is something I love sharing with others who are equally passionate about rocks.”
The Long Island Mineral And Geology Society (LIMAGS) brings together a diverse group of geology enthusiasts. This club includes retired earth science teachers, artists, and those intrigued by the metaphysical properties of minerals. They convene monthly at the George Young Community Center in Jamesport, united by their shared passion for the Earth’s geological wonders.
“Our members come from various backgrounds, but we all share a fascination with geology,” stated Gene Genova, the club’s president. “Our meetings feature presentations on a wide range of topics related to minerals and fossils.”
Community and Exploration
LIMAGS stands as one of three geology clubs on Long Island and is the only one based on the North Fork. Their monthly gatherings provide an opportunity to discuss discoveries and learn from expert speakers. Topics span from Indigenous history to the depiction of earth science in films.
The club organizes field trips to local beaches and more distant locations, including a club-owned mine upstate known for Herkimer diamonds. They also host an annual gem and mineral show, which serves as their primary outreach and fundraising event.
“Especially on the north shore, we can find examples of all three types of rocks,” Mr. Genova explained. “We travel to places like New Hampshire and Pennsylvania for collecting trips. Not everyone participates, but many members enjoy these adventures.”
Personal Journeys
For many members, the club’s field trips are a highlight. “We’ve mined at Herkimer and visited a large mine in North Carolina,” Ms. Walker shared. “These trips are a wonderful excuse to explore more.”
Jonathan Moore, inspired by television science personalities, values how the club helps him view the world differently. “The group helps you appreciate the beauty in things like sand at the beach,” he observed.
Angelica Radacinski’s family history of rock hounding led her to LIMAGS. Her interest extends to the metaphysical qualities of crystals. “Long Island’s history, from pirates to geology, is fascinating,” she said. “The minerals we find are integral to our daily lives.”
Ellen Wiener, a local artist, joined LIMAGS through her research. “I started looking into the science of rocks and found the club to be a fantastic resource,” she noted.
The Story of Long Island
Long Island’s geological history began 20,000 years ago during the Wisconsin glaciation, when the Laurentide ice sheet deposited debris from upstate, New England, and Canada, forming the island’s terminal moraine. LIMAGS emphasizes how local geology is part of a broader global narrative.
“Rocks are the pages of time,” Ms. Wiener remarked. “They’re right there on our beaches and cliffs, and most of it is free.”
